News Release June 16, 2010

  Toronto Public Health promotes healthy fish choices in 22 languages

 Thinking of fish for dinner tonight? Fish is an important part ofhealthy eating. It is good for your heart and is an excellent source ofprotein and omega-3 fats that aid the development of the brain, eyes andnerves of the fetus and young children. However, fish may containmercury, and you need to choose your catch of the day carefully. To help you select the fish that is best for you and your family,Toronto Public Health (TPH) has just translated its popular healthy fishguide into 22 languages. “A Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Childrenand Families” includes fish consumption recommendations specific topregnant and breastfeeding women, women who could become pregnant, andchildren. Mercury in fish can lead to problems with learning, walking and talkingfor children who were exposed to high levels in-utero and as infants.Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or could become pregnant, andyoung children ages one to four, should avoid fish that are high inmercury. TPH’s guide lists 80 different species of fish and provides clearadvice on fish consumption from nutritional, mercury and environmentalperspectives and lists which fish are highest in omega-3 fats - good foryour heart - and lowest in mercury. The guide also includes informationabout fish that are caught or farmed in a way that is harmful to theenvironment. The Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Children and Families, including anextended list of fish species, is available on the TPH website athttp://www.toronto.ca/health/fishandmercury. You can have a guidemailed to your home by calling 416-338-7600. Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and hometo a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economicengine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities inNorth America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovationand efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government isdedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all itsresidents. For information about non-emergency City services andprograms, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24hours a day, 7 days a week.